East Durham College at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Celebrating Chelsea Flower Show success – and it didn’t cost them a penny. 

There is more to Chelsea than just gorgeous blooms and perfect plants, an important part of the show is its educational element. That was certainly the message put across by the East Durham College whose student-led exhibit on the different types of tropism was a masterclass in design, execution and teamwork.

Each year the RHS invites colleges to apply to be part of the floristry element in the Great Pavillion. The successful applicant gets a £1000 grant and personal mentoring from Simon Lycett, the RHS’s official floristry ambassador. 

Exhibiting at Chelsea is an honour and an incredible experience but it’s expensive too, however, with the encouragement of tutor Allan Raby, the East Durham students showed amazing ingenuity as they set to work raising money and finding sponsors for their Chelsea Flower Show journey.

How did they do it? 

All materials were sourced locally, with builders’ merchants donating all the hardware needed, right down to the last screw, not forgetting unglamourous but practical items such as pallets for transport and high-vis jackets. The flower and plant material came courtesy of Morrison’s supermarket, via a student contact, with further contributions from Myton Horticulture and Gateshead wholesaler Bon Bloemen. Other businesses offered practical help such as Ruth from Sylvan Skills, a willow artist in Northumberland, who came to the college to give students a lesson in live willow weaving. 

There was also a positive and very welcome response from local councils; Durham CC and City of Durham Parish Council, which not only resulted in vital financial assistance but had the longer-term advantage of bringing the floristry department to their attention which has resulted in them inviting the college to work with them on future projects. 

So ultimately how much did it cost? The perseverance of the East Durham team paid off, and their sponsors covered all materials, transportation, accommodation and food. The only cost to the students and staff was time, but the result was more than worth it and showed that with local connections and a little perseverance, the dream of exhibiting at Chelsea Flower Show can be realised. 

Interview With Cat Venner

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.